Delpo had a knee injury. You can see Fed playing a bit better towards the end of the 2nd set. And then at the start of the 3rd, when Delpo could still move, Fed started really aggressive and got the break.

Tsonga choked on the 3rd match point. Had the ball from the FH passed the net he would have won already.

overall the big 4 are simply fitter and more physically gifted and that helps them in the mental department for 5 setters. Knowing that you are simply going to remain faster is a huge advantage in a 5 set match especially at Roland Garros. Wimbledon less so. There a huge serve becomes more of an equalizer... that's partly how Tsonga ousted Fed last year. It's why Murray will be considered a disappointment if he never wins it. Being physically more versatile means you can save mental energy for key moments, which is key because they also have the shots to back it up.

The actual difference in talent, shots they can play and so on is quite small at the top level but in the end, as in all individual sports, it's what in the head that counts.

Take a look at the way players like Sampras, Nadal, Fed, Djokovic save BP's and MP"s and it will tell you everything you need to know.

Look at the way talented players like Gasquet wilt away after a lead and you will see the other side of the coin.

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Gasquet became weaker because of mild cocaine usage for a few years. He'll never get that back. Analyse his history and you will see he was mentally stronger before the regular recreational cocaine usage during his juniors and early professional career.

Cocaine impairs the brains ability to cope with stressful situations. This is the key issue Gasquet faces in those critical moments and as the game progresses against his favor. Studies on people and lab animals provide the same results. We saw how Hingis wilted under stress of the WADA accusations. Abnormal given how she behaved and acted during the 1/3rd of her career.

The simple fact that there is simply a differece between a current Top 10 Player and a LEGEND. Its nothing about x's and o's......its just something that the smallest percent of players have....refusing to lose. I never, ever count out Novak.....I dont care what the score is.....he just has 'it'

#150 in the world can trade forehands and backhands with Federer all day long, but it's a lot more than that.

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One of the most honest and surprisingly candid statements made to me by a pro player came from a guy ranked near your #150 threshold...he told me his "audition" as a sparring partner for Fed failed simply because he couldn't stay in a rally with the Maestro.

I think a ranking # is too arbitrary but, if used, JMac's inflammatory "The 100th best male player in the world could beat Martina" contention would be about where the stroke quality factor kicks in.

One of the most honest and surprisingly candid statements made to me by a pro player came from a guy ranked near your #150 threshold...he told me his "audition" as a sparring partner for Fed failed simply because he couldn't stay in a rally with the Maestro.

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I suspect that was all mental. He probably couldn't keep up with Federer because it got into his head that he was hitting against the greatest tennis player who ever lived. A lot of lower ranked players lose to the top guys even before they leave the locker room and step out onto the court because they don't mentally believe they could win going in.

I suspect that was all mental. He probably couldn't keep up with Federer because it got into his head that he was hitting against the greatest tennis player who ever lived. A lot of lower ranked players lose to the top guys even before they leave the locker room and step out onto the court because they don't mentally believe they could win going in.

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The mental pressure of competition was not a factor...this was not a tour match, rather an "audition" practice session to see if he had the "goods" to simulate matchplay in a practice session. It's what Levine, Berrer et al pass to get called to Dubai or Basel for extended practice.

Yes, thank you. But....what song? And where is this Fort Minor of which you speak? Is that a person or a research institute?
I was just relaying the results of a new study at the USTA High Performance Institute.